Application Open Dates & Deadlines
Applications Open: Sept 1 - July 15 *
* Application open dates and deadlines are determined by individual departments. Please contact the appropriate department concerning relevant deadlines.
Deadlines
PhD applicants:
- Spring - Dec 1st
- Fall - Dec 15th
PhD applicants wishing to be considered for the types of financial assistance discussed below should submit a complete application no later than December 15th for a fall semester start. Please contact the appropriate department concerning available start terms.
Master's applicants:
- Summer/Fall/Spring - Rolling
- Priority Deadline - Dec 15th
Master's applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis, however, priority will be given to those applications completed before December 15th for a fall or summer semester start. Please contact the appropriate department concerning available start terms.
International student recommended deadlines (for admission consideration only):
- Fall - June 1
- Spring - Nov 1
- Summer - April 1
These deadlines are recommended for graduate students (Master's and PhD) located outside of the US to allow enough time for visa application and required document processing. International students must arrive by the 10th day of class in a given term.
Application Fee: $50 USD
Applications for admission (all semesters, all levels) are to be completed online using our online application. Payment for the online admissions form must be made by credit card or electronic check.
Further information may be found in our Graduate Student Handbook.
An applicant may be admitted to a graduate program as a regular or an associate graduate student. Only regular graduate students are candidates for graduate degrees. Students who do not wish to enter a degree program may be admitted as non-degree students; see this link for information on how to apply as a non-degree student. International students must be admitted under regular status for immigration paperwork to be completed. Except for qualified Lehigh undergraduates, only those who have been officially admitted as regular, associate, or non-degree students may register for graduate courses.
Prospective graduate students who do not qualify for regular student status may be offered admission with associate graduate student status. However, since each department's classification and requirements of associate students is different, you must check with the department to determine if you qualify to be admitted under associate status. Associate students must complete the first nine consecutive credit hours with at most one grade below B-. They will not be permitted to continue if they receive a grade below C. After nine credit hours of coursework, associate students must petition for regular status. Individual departments may require more rigorous probationary standard.
Graduate Education & Life Office | Orientation dates | Grad Life Programs | Graduate Student Senate
At Lehigh, we have approximately 2,000+ students in 80+ programs. Lehigh's small size benefits students in that it creates an atmosphere for individualized education. Students create strong relationships with faculty in order to enhance their interests in their respected fields. Students are encouraged to create relationships not only with their advisors, but throughout their departments.
Furthermore, we strive to integrate Graduate Student Education with Graduate Student Life in order to enhance the experience of the student. As part of this mission, we are committed to nurturing a community of diverse graduate students, who feel supported on campus. Graduate Student Life succeeds in creating programming to enhance student strengths and foster growth edges, through events targeted at professional development, research and writing, and higher education.
As a university, Lehigh believes in a holistic approach to graduate education to offer students personalized attention in their unique educational path.
International student recommended deadlines:
- Fall - June 1
- Spring - Nov 1
- Summer - April 1
These deadlines are recommended for graduate students (Master's and PhD) located outside of the US to allow enough time for visa application and required document processing. International students must arrive by the 10th day of class in a given term.
Office of International Students and Scholars | International orientation program | Checklist for international students
International applicants to the Graduate Programs of the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science must hold a Bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. institution or an equivalent foreign degree. Transcripts must be in the original language with an official English translation attached.
Estimate of Expenses
Admitted degree-seeking students can find an estimate of expenses here under Section 5.
Proof of Support
Proof of financial support is required of all International applicants that are granted admission without funding. Notarized bank statements or financial affidavits can be uploaded during the online application process or sent after a decision is released. Immigration paperwork will be expedited if proof of support is sent with the application. For more information, see International Students and Scholars.
Visa papers are issued only to students admitted as regular, full-time students. The following items may be required before immigration documents can be issued:
- Original or notarized financial guarantee.
- Original or notarized English-Proficiency test scores.
Degree Equivalency & Evaluation
In cases where further clarification is needed, we may request a credential evaluation from a recognized agency to determine the equivalency of their educational qualifications and ensure an accurate and comprehensive review. The World Education Services (WES) is one recognized organization that provides this type of credential evaluation.
Credential evaluation is NOT required if the degree equivalency is verified through our internal assessment. The admissions committee will reach out if additional information is needed.
For any inquiries regarding degree equivalency or the admissions process, applicants are encouraged to contact our admissions office directly.
English Proficiency Policy
All applicants must demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency in order to be admitted to a graduate engineering program. Graduate applicants may fulfill the English proficiency requirement by completing one of the options in Column A or both of the options in Column B. Further explanation is available below the table.
| Option A | OPTION B |
|---|---|
OR
|
AND
|
Option A:
- Graduate applicants who have successfully completed coursework in educational contexts other than in the US, UK, etc. can demonstrate proficiency by submitting official scores on the Internet-based TOEFL, IELTS Academic, or Duolingo exam. See score requirements below. Please note that some individual departments may have higher minimum requirements and you should consult with the department directly in order to be certain of their requirements.
- Successful completion of at least 2-3 years of continuous English-medium coursework leading to an earned degree from an accredited university in one or more of the following countries: United States, Republic of Ireland, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, or Canada. If the coursework was completed more than 2 years prior to the term of admission, the applicant must still live and/or work in the country of instruction in order to be eligible.
Option B:
- Graduate applicants who have met the English-medium coursework requirement in countries such as India, South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, etc. where coursework was conducted entirely in English can supply an official letter of attestation from their institution verifying all courses were taught in English.
- Letters of attestation will only be accepted on institutional letterhead and signed by an appropriate officer of the institution. Please send via email to your appropriate program contact person, as listed on the application form.
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Additionally, students must submit publications in English such as research reports or theses.
Currently Accepted English proficiency tests include:
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TOEFL, IELTS Academic, and Duolingo.
We will accept the recently added “at home” or online versions of these tests in addition to the standard TOEFL iBT and IELTS Academic, which are completed at a designated testing facility.
Minimum Score Requirements:
The scores below represent minimum scores that applicants must attain in order to be admitted to the Rossin College of Engineering & Applied Science graduate programs without conditional English enhancement training. Please note that some individual departments may have higher minimum requirements and you should consult with the department directly in order to be certain of their requirements.
Internet-based TOEFL
- Reading — 20
- Listening — 15
- Speaking — 20
- Writing — 20
- COMPOSITE — 79
IELTS
- Reading — 6.5
- Listening —6.0
- Speaking —6.5
- Writing — 6.0
- OVERALL — 6.5
Duolingo English Test
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OVERALL – 125
For unconditional admission, applicants MUST:
- Obtain or exceed ALL minimum section scores
- Obtain or exceed the COMPOSITE/OVERALL minimum score.
Applicants with test scores that do not meet the above minimum requirements can still be considered for admission with conditional English enhancement training required. In such cases applicants should consult with the department or program of interest for more details.
Submission of Test Scores
As part of our commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, unofficial test scores, such as self-reported scores or digital copies of score reports, are accepted to provide applicants with a preliminary assessment of their English language abilities. These unofficial scores will be considered during the initial evaluation of an application. However, official test scores must be submitted from the testing agencies directly as soon as an offer of admission is made in order to satisfy this requirement.
We understand that circumstances may prevent some applicants from obtaining official test scores immediately. Therefore, we encourage applicants to submit unofficial scores early in the admissions process, giving them the opportunity to be evaluated promptly. However, it is essential to comply with the submission of official scores in a timely manner to secure their admission if an offer is made.
Our commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment extends to supporting applicants from all corners of the globe. By adhering to this English Proficiency Policy, we aim to maintain fairness and consistency in our admissions process while providing prospective students with ample opportunities to showcase their language abilities.
Expiration of Test Scores
TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo test scores are valid for two years from the date the test was taken. Test scores must be valid until an I-20 is issued. If test scores are expired, or expected to expire before that time, an updated exam will be required.
Information on English Proficiency Exams:
TOEFL information may be obtained from ETS at ets.org/toefl. Lehigh's institutional code is 2365. IELTS information can be found at ielts.org. Duolingo English Test information can be found at https://englishtest.duolingo.com/applicants. Official test scores must be submitted from the testing agencies directly in order for this requirement to be satisfied.
It is the policy of Lehigh University to provide equal opportunity on the basis of merit and without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, age, national original citizenship status, handicap, or veteran status.
How should I begin the admissions process?
If you are at the beginning of your graduate school journey, we recommend the following steps:
- Research Programs & Inquire- Review our website and identify the program(s) that align with your academic and career goals.
- Once you've determined your program of interest:
- Submit your Request for Information form here. This will include you on our automated email communications.
- If you are unsure of your program of interest or would like to learn more about our offerings
- Meet with Angelo, our Graduate Recruitment Manager or email him at Angelo@Lehigh.edu
- If you are unsure of your program of interest or would like to learn more about our offerings
- Submit your Request for Information form here. This will include you on our automated email communications.
- Once you've determined your program of interest:
- Prepare Application Materials & Apply
- Review requirements and deadlines for your program of interest
- Apply through our online application.
- Submit All Required Documents
- Review your application checklist on the application portal to ensure that your application is complete.
- If you have questions about your application status, please email your Graduate Coordinator
- Review your application checklist on the application portal to ensure that your application is complete.
When does the application open?
- All applications open on Sept 1st
When is the best time to start preparing my application?
- Ideally, start preparing at least a year in advance by reaching out to your Graduate Recruitment Manager, Angelo at Angelo@Lehigh.edu to learn more about our program offerings.
- By preparing ahead of time, you won't feel rushed. The application and document-gathering process will be much easier and less stressful.
- Generally speaking, applicants who apply earlier in the cycle will be considered for all open positions in the first round of application review and scholarship review will be considered for maximum aid.
- Be sure to check with each department for relevant admission and financial support deadlines.
Is there an application fee?
- Yes, our application fee is $50 USD
Do I have to have an engineering major to apply? What if my major/degree is in a different field?
- “ Our exciting, innovative degrees can help you elevate your career—even if you aren't an engineer. “
- The most common undergrad majors are engineering-related but also include non-engineering majors such as:
- Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Earth & Environmental Science, Health Science, Math, Statistics, Physics, Computer Science
- Many of our students are "career-changers".
- Please reach out to your department of interest for more details as requirements can vary by department/program.
Do you have any recommendations for writing the Statement of Purpose (or Essay)?
- The Statement of Purpose (or Essay) should be personalized to each program, clearly articulating your research interests, relevant experiences, strengths, and career goals.
- Highlight why you chose the specific university, provide concrete examples of your skills and achievements, and ensure your writing is clear, concise, and error-free.
- Tailor your narrative to demonstrate how the program aligns with your academic, professional, and personal aspirations.
Is research experience required for an MS or PhD?
- For MS degrees, research experience is not required, although highly-encouraged.
- For PhDs, research experience is highly-recommended and often essential, although not strictly required.
How do I gain research experience if my undergraduate program did not offer many opportunities?
- Look for internships, co-op programs, volunteer research positions, or post-baccalaureate programs that provide research experience. Highlight any related projects or coursework in your application.
- Work experience may also be considered.
Do PhD students have to identify a faculty member to work with before applying? How do I choose a faculty member?
- In general, we recommend building a relationship with your department of interest and faculty of interest before applying.
- Research faculty members' work, read their publications, and consider your interests and compatibility. Contact potential advisors to discuss your research interests and their recruitment needs.
- Keep in mind that each department may have a different recruitment process for PhD students. Furthermore, faculty recruitment needs may change each semester.
- Please reach out directly to your department of interest or Graduate Coordinator for more information about current PhD recruitment needs.
Can I apply to more than one program?
- We recommend exploring all of our program options in detail before applying. If you are unsure about program fit, please connect with Angelo@Lehigh.edu or your Graduate Coordinator to determine the best fit.
- Each department and/or program may have their own review process and their own admissions committee which would require further review.
- Students may apply to more than one program within the Rossin College, however, a new application must be submitted for each additional program which includes an additional application fee.
Can I apply to more than one college at Lehigh?
- Students may apply to more than one college at Lehigh. However, an additional application must be submitted if applying to more than one college.
- If you are interested in fully online programs you can begin here.
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Many Engineering programs offer hybrid and part-time learning options.
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Inquire by contacting engineering@lehigh.edu or by reviewing our graduate programs
- The GRE is NOT required for any of the Rossin College's graduate programs.
- Proof of English Proficiency is required for international applicants.
- This requirement can be met by attaining department-set minimum scores for the IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo English Test.
- Waivers can be considered with additional supporting documents such as a Letter of Attestation and a writing sample/publication. Alternatively, at least 2 years at an institution in the United States, Republic of Ireland, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, or Canada.
- If the coursework was completed more than 2 years prior to the term of admission, the applicant must still live and/or work in the country of instruction in order to be eligible.
- Please see our English Proficiency Requirements for more specific requirements and information.
Can I still submit GRE scores even though they aren't required?
- GRE scores may be submitted, however they may not be considered in the review process.
- Please check with individual departments for more information.
Are interviews required for admission?
- The Rossin College does not conduct or require interviews for admission to our graduate programs.
- Undergraduate grades are an important factor in the admissions process as they reflect your academic ability. This is especially true of your major GPA vs cumulative GPA. However, our review process is holistic.
- Our admissions committee also considers other factors on your resume such as: research experience, work experience, honors, awards, etc.
- Unfortunately there is no appeal process. All decisions are final.
- Our minimum GPA requirements may be flexible if there are other supporting strengths in your application.
- Address the issue in your essay or add an addendum, explaining any extenuating circumstances and highlighting other strengths in your application, such as professional experience or research accomplishments.
- Seek feedback from peers, mentors, and academic/professional advisors.
- Improve any weak areas (e.g., taking new courses, retaking courses to improve grades, gaining more research or work experience etc.)
- Be sure to update your application materials to reflect any new achievements or experiences.
- Include your educational background, relevant work and research experience, publications, presentations, skills, and any honors or awards. Tailor it to highlight experiences most relevant to the program you are applying to.
- While it is preferred to have a one page (double-sided) resume, there is no limit on the number of pages or required format.
Can I add updated application documents after I have submitted the application?
- Yes, additional or updated application documents can be added after submitting your application.
- These updates must be submitted before your application is reviewed.
- Please inform your Graduate Coordinator of any updates or changes to your application.
- Each department/program has a different timeline/process for reviewing completed applications.
- For Master’s: generally 4-6 weeks from completion of application and receipt of all application documents.
- For PhD: Most PhD applications are processed between December and February for Fall admissions. Please check with each individual department or your Graduate Coordinator for more specific decision timelines.
What are rolling admissions, and how do they work?
- "Rolling admissions" means that a program reviews and makes decisions on applications as they are received rather than waiting until a fixed deadline.
- Applications must be complete with supporting documents.
- It’s beneficial to apply early in a rolling admissions process.
Do you have a waitlist for admission?
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The Rossin College does not utilize a waitlist and there are no waitlist decisions.
- Common mistakes include: missing deadlines, submitting incomplete applications, failing to follow instructions, neglecting to proofread materials, and not tailoring your application to each specific program.
- Please contact Angelo, the Graduate Recruitment Manager via email: Angelo@Lehigh.edu
- Notify your Graduate Coordinator of your decision as soon as possible. Provide a brief explanation and express your gratitude for their consideration.
- Notification of withdrawl is not required, but very helpful. It allows us to ensure that there is space remaining for other highly-interested applicants.
- Letting us know which institution your chose or how your plans have changed is helpful for institutional data reporting purposes, but never required with a withdrawl request.
- We do not refund application fees.
My recommender didn't get the email to submit a recommendation, what do I do?
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Please log back into your application portal and verify that the contact email is correct.
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If the contact email is correct, please click the "resend" button.
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If there are still issues, please contact Angelo, your Graduate Recruitment Manager at Angelo@lehigh.edu
- Yes, recommenders automatically receive an email request after you've entered their information and either clicked "save" on the application or "next page".
- If you are still working on your application, go back to the "Recommenders" page and edit their contact info.
- If you've already submitted your application, please contact your Graduate Coordinator to update this info.
- If you are still working on your application, go back to the "Recommenders" page and click "add" or "remove".
- If you've already submitted your application, please contact your Graduate Coordinator to update this info.
- Here are some suggestions:
- Professors/Faculty, Academic Advisors, Research Supervisors, Direct Supervisors, Professional Mentors, Project/Thesis/Capstone Advisors.
- Tips for choosing recommenders:
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Relevance: Choose individuals who can speak directly to your qualifications and potential for success in the specific graduate program you are applying to.
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Relationship: Select recommenders who know you well and can provide detailed, personalized insights rather than general statements.
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Reputation: Consider the credibility and respect of the recommender within the field; a strong endorsement from a well-regarded professional or academic can be influential.
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- Our graduate tuition is currently $1,590 USD per credit hour.
- A 30 credit graduate degree would cost $47,700 USD.
- More information can be found here.
- All PhDs at the Rossin College are 100% fully-funded, however, funding sources may vary by department.
- Qualified master's students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships.
- No additional application is required.
- International students are considered as well as domestic students.
- Maximum funding (although extremely rare) is 50% of tuition.
- Lehigh alumni are eligible for an Alumni Scholarship
- RA, TA, and GA positions are typically reserved for PhD students, however, master’s students who apply early to our program and express interest may be eligible for work for these positions depending on availability and qualification.
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RCEAS has Graduate Student Ambassadors which are paid $20/hr
- Access to Lehigh's student job portal is only available after acceptance/enrollment.
- No, however we recommend that students explore external funding opportunities.
- Check with your employer for tuition reimbursement/remission.
- The MEng degree is more "practice-oriented" focusing on the application of engineering principles in real-world scenarios.
- The MS degree is typically more "research-oriented". It emphasizes theoretical knowledge and often involves a thesis or a significant research project.
Can I still do research or an internship with an MEng degree?
- Yes! Our programs are customizable and can be tailored to your interests.
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The Rossin College offers several interdisciplinary master's programs such as: Catastrophe Modeling & Resistance, Data Science, Financial Engineering, Energy Systems Engineering, Health Systems Engineeirng, and Technical Entrepreneurship.
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Additionally, Lehigh University offers several interdisciplinary research opportunities for graduate students through its Interdisciplinary Research Institutes (IRIs):
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Institute for Functional Materials and Devices (I-FMD): Focuses on synthesis, fabrication, processing, and characterization of materials and devices.
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Institute for Data, Intelligent Systems, and Computation (I-DISC): Specializes in data-intensive and large-scale computation problems.
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Institute for Cyber Physical Infrastructure and Energy (I-CPIE): Addresses challenges related to energy, communications, structural, and transportation systems.
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These institutes foster collaboration across disciplines and with external partners in academia, industry, and government. For more information, visit Lehigh University's Interdisciplinary Research Institutes.
Do you offer a Master's to PhD pathway option?
- Although we don't have a formalized pathway, it is possible to be considered for a PhD while you are currently completing a master's degree.
- Please reach out to your academic advisor or Graduate Coordinator to discuss the possibilities.
- Please refer to our Admitted Graduate Student page and connect with your Graduate Coordinator
- The Rossin College does not require a tuition deposit to secure your spot in the program.
After acceptance, how do I secure my spot in the program?
- To secure your enrollment:
- Accept your offer of admission on your application portal
- Sign and return your offer of admission/acceptance letter to your Graduate Coordinator
- Many programs allow you to defer your admission for up to one year from the term that you are accepted to, but policies may vary.
- If you are considering deferring your admission, please reach out to your Graduate Coordinator to discuss your options.
- Some master’s programs can be completed in as little as 10 months full-time.
- We have options that may extend degree time such as research, internships, projects, etc.
- We have part-time options available.
- PhD’s completion times can vary, generally 4-6 years, please contact individual departments for details.
- It depends on the department / program
- Most programs offer a Fall start
- Spring/Summer are also available for some programs
- Check with individual departments for details
Housing Questions
- For all housing questions, please refer to the Graduate Housing FAQ page
Additional Questions:
Do you offer in-person campus tours for prospective graduate students?
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We welcome prospective and admitted students to visit us throughout the academic year and during the summer break.
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We work with students to design a visit day that meets their individual and specific needs, which might include:
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Exploring our hillside campus, grabbing a coffee with current graduate students, attending a class, meeting with professors, touring research labs, and gaining a sense of the Lehigh community.
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To schedule a visit, we invite students to contact their department of interest.
- Lehigh is a member of the National Graduate Education for Minorities Consortium (GEM) and actively supports GEM students in our programs.
- The Office of Graduate Education & Life at Lehigh is a robust hub that connects students to resources, including: physical and mental health services; clubs, organizations, and advocacy centers; Graduate Student Senate and Diversity, Belonging & Equity advisory board; academic accommodations and disability support; Office of Multicultural Affairs, Graduate Writers’ Studio; and International Student Services.
- The Center for Career and Professional Development supports graduate students through every step of their career development journey.
- By working closely with a career coach, accessing on-demand resources, and tapping into resources beyond campus, graduate students are empowered to discover how their education translates into career pathways.
- Additionally, graduate students collaborate with faculty to make an impact through research, publications and conferences.
- We strive to have a diverse group of student researchers who are curious, collaborative, and on a quest for knowledge and solutions.
How does Lehigh supporting graduate students from historically excluded groups, especially given the recent rise nationally against sponsored DEI initiatives?
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As a learning and educational community where the open exchange of ideas and views enables broad discourse on a variety of subjects, Lehigh's community is at its best when it comprises individuals from diverse backgrounds. Lehigh University has always and will continue to seek to build a diverse community of both undergraduate and graduate students.